Human Rights Watch condemns Indonesia’s new criminal code for endangering the rights of millions, particularly marginalized groups. The legislation criminalizes consensual relationships, expands blasphemy laws, and violates privacy rights, prompting calls for government action to protect vulnerable communities.
In its recent report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) strongly criticized Indonesia’s newly enacted criminal code, asserting that it jeopardizes the fundamental rights of millions of citizens, particularly those belonging to marginalized groups such as women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and religious minorities. The organization highlighted that the legislation, which was adopted by the Indonesian parliament on December 6, 2022, criminalizes consensual sex and cohabitation outside of marriage, intruding upon individuals’ most private decisions and violating the right to privacy. Furthermore, the new code amplifies restrictions on freedom of religion, as it broadens the scope of blasphemy laws and introduces punishments for apostasy—the act of renouncing a faith—for the first time. Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, remarked that the code serves the interests of government officials aiming to suppress freedoms integral to individual expression and personal liberty. Despite numerous Muslim groups employing threats against religious minorities and perpetuating discriminatory practices, the government has largely remained inactive. The report, which spans 712 pages in its 33rd edition, also discusses the shift in global power dynamics impacting human rights advocacy. Acting Executive Director Tirana Hassan emphasized the necessity for countries to adhere to human rights frameworks and cooperate to promote global standards. Additionally, the HRW report mentions that incidents of violence between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army have resulted in the displacement of at least 60,000 Indigenous Papuans, while the region has faced stringent restrictions on human rights monitors and foreign journalists for over fifty years. Indonesia’s recent voting behavior at the UN Human Rights Council further underscores its reluctance to address human rights abuses, as it opposed discussions regarding conditions faced by marginalized groups in China. In the context of its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2023, HRW urged Indonesia to take a robust stance against human rights violations, particularly those committed by the military junta in Myanmar.
The recent changes to Indonesia’s criminal code are a part of broader legislative actions taken by the government that have raised alarm among human rights organizations. These amendments include severe restrictions that directly impact personal freedoms, particularly for marginalized communities. The blasphemy laws have been notably expanded, raising concerns about religious freedom. In a global landscape marked by shifting political dynamics, the responsibility for upholding human rights has increasingly been seen as a collective obligation falling on individual nations, highlighting the need for renewed focus and joint efforts to combat widespread abuses of power.
In summary, Indonesia’s new criminal code poses significant risks to the rights of various groups, particularly marginalized individuals such as women and religious minorities. The expansion of blasphemy laws and the criminalization of personal consensual relationships represent a concerning shift towards greater state control over individual freedoms. The international human rights community, led by organizations such as Human Rights Watch, continues to advocate for immediate measures to protect vulnerable populations and uphold the principles of human rights within Indonesia and beyond.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
